Citizenship Test 

The U.S. citizenship test evaluates an applicant’s understanding of American history, government, and civics. The civics portion of the naturalization interview is conducted verbally by a USCIS officer. During the interview, the officer asks up to ten questions selected from an official list of one hundred civics questions. To successfully complete this portion of the naturalization process, applicants generally must answer at least six questions correctly.

The typical questions are;

• What is the law of the United States?
• What does the constitution do?
• What are the first three words of the constitution?
• What is an amendment?
• What is the name given to the first ten amendments to the constitution?
• What is anyone’s freedom or right from the first amendment?
• How many amendments does the constitution have?
• What did the declaration of independence do?
• What are the two rights of the declaration of independence?
• What is freedom of religion?

Citizenship Interview:

After reviewing the naturalization application (Form N-400), USCIS schedules an interview for eligible applicants. USCIS generally sends an appointment notice by mail specifying the date, time, and location of the interview. Any of the USCIS officials can conduct the citizenship interview. Before attending the interview, applicants must submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, together with all required supporting documentation and filing fees. USCIS may also request additional evidence if necessary. It is essential to provide the current address to the USCIS. 

        After USCIS accepts the naturalization application, applicants are usually scheduled for a biometric services appointment. During this appointment, fingerprints, photographs, and signatures are collected for identity verification and background checks conducted by federal agencies. Applicants should bring the appointment notice, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), government-issued identification, passports or travel documents, and any additional documents requested by USCIS in the interview notice.

On the day of the biometric appointment, the biometric fingerprints will be taken and sent to the FBI for an individual’s background checking.

           On the day of interview,  an individual is suggested to reach at least 15-20 minutes before the appointed time with all required documents such as;

• The individual’s appointment notice for the interview.
• The applicant’s Form I-551 (permanent resident card).
• I.D. card or driving license.

Moreover, all other documentation listed in M-477 (checklist) is required to bring in the interview. 

Citizenship interview questions

Following are sample citizenship interview questions that the USCIS officials may ask during the interview;

• Basic personal information like their name, date of birth, place of birth, race, and ethnicity. 
• The individual’s physical attributes like hair color, eye color, and height of an individual.
• Individual’s family background includes the mother’s full name, maiden name, father’s full name, and children’s names.
• Evidence of parents U.S. citizenship. 
• Individual’s family backgrounds include single, married, divorced or widowed, spouse’s name, etc.
• Individual’s income tax obligations.
• Individual’s educational or employment background.
• Individual’s travel record
• Individual’s military history.

Civics Practice Test

The civics practice test helps naturalization applicants prepare for the citizenship interview by reviewing important topics related to U.S. history and government. Many applicants use official study materials, flashcards, and online practice tools to prepare for the examination.

Online Citizenship Test/Quiz

Several educational resources, including official USCIS study materials and online practice quizzes, are available to help applicants prepare for the civics test and naturalization interview;

• When is independence day celebrated?
• Which one thing is famous about Benjamin Franklin?
• Name the significant event that took place on 11 September 2001 in the U.S.
• What is the capital of the U.S.?
• What would be one promise which you make after becoming a U.S. citizen?
• Where is the statue of liberty located?
• Which is the one power belonging to the state according to the constitution?
• Who becomes the president if both the vice president and president can no longer serve?
• What’s the name of the speaker of the House of Representatives?

References:

• https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test-2008-version/2008-civics-practice-test retrieved on 30 July 2022. 
• https://www.immigrationhelp.org/learning-center/common-u-s-citizenship-interview-questions retrieved on 30 July 2022. 
• https://www.stilt.com/blog/2020/02/citizenship-interview/#What_Is_the_US_Citizenship_Interview retrieved on 30 July 2022. 
• https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/citizenship-test-questions-and-answers/ retrieved on 30 July 2022.